Biology
Where Life Begins
Fascinated by life, and all of its complex processes? You’ve come to the right place.
Whether it’s researching DNA, treating a patient in a medical setting, working to restore and conserve natural habitats, or leading science classrooms of the future – the study of biology is brimming with opportunity.
As a biology student at UNI, you’ll make discoveries in the classroom and the lab. Starting your first year, you'll engage in lab work and research projects that connect the classroom to real-world problem solving.
With areas of study spanning the fields of biomedicine, biotechnology, botany, conservation, ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, teacher education, and zoology, our department is one of the largest and most diverse on campus.
Ready to see where a degree in biology will take you?
UNI Biology majors gain admission to medical school at rates seven times higher than the national average
UNI's Biology Department has been ranked one of the Midwest's Best (U.S. News and World Report).
Students on the UNI campus are biology majors
Research
Students in the UNI Department of Biology have abundant opportunities to participate in scientific research, honing their skills in thinking creatively, problem solving, and communication. Students work one-on-one with faculty members, who guide their work in their area of interest, including topics in genetics, immunology, microbiomes, ecology, and conservation.
Field Experiences
We believe that some of the best learning happens outside of the classroom. That’s why our students have the opportunity to join unique field experiences and excursions that take them around the globe – studying flora and fauna on the Galapagos Islands, or visiting a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.
Student Organizations
The UNI Department of Biology is home to more than a dozen student organizations. From the Student Nature Society to Women in Healthcare Club, and everything in between, getting involved in these organizations is a great way to hone your leadership skills, network with professionals, and build lifelong friendships.
Research
Students in the UNI Department of Biology have abundant opportunities to participate in scientific research, honing their skills in thinking creatively, problem solving, and communication. Students work one-on-one with faculty members, who guide their work in their area of interest, including topics in genetics, immunology, microbiomes, ecology, and conservation.
Field Experiences
We believe that some of the best learning happens outside of the classroom. That’s why our students have the opportunity to join unique field experiences and excursions that take them around the globe – studying flora and fauna on the Galapagos Islands, or visiting a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.
Student Organizations
The UNI Department of Biology is home to more than a dozen student organizations. From the Student Nature Society to Women in Healthcare Club, and everything in between, getting involved in these organizations is a great way to hone your leadership skills, network with professionals, and build lifelong friendships.
UNI Botanical Center
The Botanical Center is home to a diverse collection of plants which are displayed inside a tropical house, desert house, aquatic house, and propagation house. You can explore a wide variety of plant species – including endangered species, and plants that wouldn’t normally survive in our Northern Iowa climate.
Biology classes often use the botanical center classroom for coursework. There is also a research work room and two research greenhouses. Students are routinely employed here to assist in the care and maintenance of the plant collection and gardens.
Interested in supporting the Department of Biology?
When donating, we suggest choosing one of the following project numbers to ensure your gift supports our department:
- Biology Department Fund, compliments scholarship support by providing support for the common needs of all students of the department
- Biology Undergraduate Research Fund, provides support dedicated to students doing undergraduate research
- Biological Preserves Fund, supports the biology nature preserves used for teaching, research and public enjoyment